Acetylsalicylic Acid Side Effects

Generic name: aspirin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 14, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Acetylsalicylic Acid Side Effects associated with aspirin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Acetylsalicylic Acid.

Applies to aspirin: oral capsule extended release 24 hr, oral capsule liquid filled, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet enteric coated.

Other dosage forms:

• rectal suppository

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

This medicine can not be used for treatment of a heart attack. Use an immediate-release aspirin (the active ingredient contained in Acetylsalicylic Acid) in such an event.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.

This medicine may increase risk for bleeding problems, including stomach ulcers or bleeding. This usually occurs if you are taking aspirin with certain medicines (eg, NSAIDs, blood thinner). Check with your doctor right away if you have black, tarry stools, severe or continuing stomach pain, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, aspirin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aspirin:

Other side effects

Some side effects of aspirin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to aspirin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral delayed release capsule, oral delayed release tablet, oral gum, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet dispersible, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository.

General adverse events

The more commonly experienced adverse effects include indigestion, dyspepsia, bleeding, and bruising.^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, renal insufficiency and failure^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased bleeding tendencies
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Aplastic anemia agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Prolongation of prothrombin time, disseminated intravascular coagulation, coagulopathy, antepartum and postpartum bleeding, anemia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reactions including shock
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, angioedema, skin rashes^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Steven-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme
• Frequency not reported: Purpura, hives^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Transient elevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, Reye's syndrome, hepatic insufficiency^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Thirst, dehydration, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, salt and water retention^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hemorrhagic vasculitis
• Frequency not reported: Dysrhythmias, hypotension, tachycardia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Cerebral edema, coma headache, subdural or intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, lethargy, dizziness^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever, hypothermia, hearing loss, tinnitus (at high doses), hearing disturbances^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, tachypnea, epistaxis, dyspnea, bronchospasm, asthma^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia,
• Frequency not reported: GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation, nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, gastric irritation, GI erosions, gastritis, melena, hematemesis, gingival bleeding^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Menorrhagia
• Frequency not reported: Proteinuria^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Agitation, confusion^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
• Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?
• What temperature is considered a fever?
• Aspirin Overdose: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Emergency Treatment
• Which painkiller should you use?
• Does aspirin lower blood pressure?
• Can I give Aspirin to my dog or cat?
• Can you take ibuprofen with Excedrin Migraine?

Further information

Acetylsalicylic Acid side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer